WYNDHAM COLLEGE A partner within the Nirimba Collegiate Group of Schools and the Nirimba Education Precinct

WYNDHAM WHISPERS
Nirimba Education Precinct, Eastern Road, Quakers Hill Phone: 9208 7100 Fax: 9208 7199 Website: www.wyndhamcol-h.schools.nsw.edu.au

MARCH 2013
Principal Karen Smith Deputy Principals David Macleod-Jones & Stan Pianko Collegiate Deputy Principal Joe Camilleri MARCH 2013 March 18 School Photos Day March 19 Friends of Wyndham March 21 Catch up Photo day March 25 Yr12 Marine Studies Sydney Aquarium March 26 Yr11 Ag-Royal Easter Show March 29 GOOD FRIDAY-PUBLIC HOLIDAY APRIL 2013 April 1 EASTER MONDAY PUBLIC HOLIDAY April 8 Yr12 Phy/Chem Snr Science ANSTO April 9 SRC Leadership Camp APRIL 2013 April 9 SRC Leadership Camp April 11 Support-Power House Museum April 12 Last day of Term 1 April 29 STAFF DEVELOPMENT DAY April 30 STAFF DEVELOPMENT DAY MAY 2013 May 1 First day of Term 2 for students May 1 Yr 12 Parent / Teacher night

FROM THE COLLEGE PRINCIPAL Some loose-ends As we settle into full routine for yet another year, I am pleased to report that the teaching and learning in our classrooms is progressing extremely well. Year 12 are as usual at this time of year, beginning to feel the pressure having just completed their mid-course exams (remember, the Year 12 HSC course begins at the start of Term 4). As I move around the school, I note that Year 11 (also in the majority) are well settled and have moved quickly into serious study mode. There is still a small number of adjustment issues for a few (only a few) students. Can I reaffirm our policy that: Wyndham College is a full uniform school and this includes black leather shoes only. The school shirt now has Wyndham College embroidered above the pocket; that attendance at all classes is mandatory (rolls are marked in every lesson); that lateness on a number of occasions or absence from class can, and has in the past, lead to students having to repeat one or more subjects or the whole year at the end of Year 11; that once students arrive at the college they are not permitted to leave the premises without permission. Whilst the above only applies to a small number of students, I would seek your support as a parent to assist us in helping your child survive and indeed thrive, rather than the alternative of not coping with senior high school.

FRIENDS OF WYNDHAM COLLEGE (P & C)

All Parents are invited to attend the AGM

Tuesday 19 March 2013

Administration Block

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Student Wellbeing We take the safety and wellbeing of our students very seriously. Our new Connect Program focuses on this aspect of student growth. The Anti-Bullying plan/policy has been reviewed. We continue to work together to ensure the happiness, safety and wellbeing of our students. As in all schools, we have a small number of incidents relating to cyber bullying. Bullying is never acceptable. The police are keen to follow up incidents relating to cyber bullying and inappropriate comments or content on the net, as this is against the law. Generally, most of our students work hard and behave well as we would expect in a senior college. Our focus is, and should continue to be, on the pursuit of academic excellence through good teaching and learning not on behaviour. Subjects available We have just concluded a process of allowing some students to change their subjects, so now most students are content with their choice. Unfortunately we had a reduction in staffing and some classes had to be collapsed to accommodate this. We anticipate at the end of this year we will reach full capacity, and it will be highly unlikely that we are able to take any students next year who do not attend Year 10 in our collegiate schools. We staff more HSC courses than any other school in NSW. I know that this is only one reason that we are so popular. Friends of Wyndham College I was heartened at our last meeting to see so many new faces I believe around 35. The Annual General Meeting will be held this Tuesday at 7pm. I invite all parents to this meeting. It is very informal and inviting. The FoW this year will be reviewing our uniform. I look forward to the outcome of this. Finally I know I have in the above been a little negative, and have touched on a few areas where we need to improve. I make no apology for that. I want Wyndham to continue to be the excellent college that it is as we move through another year. I do of course thank you for your ongoing support. Karen Smith College Principal

FROM THE YEAR 12 DEPUTY PRINCIPAL Assessment Tasks - I would like to take this opportunity to remind students in Year 12 of their responsibilities regarding assessment tasks. Bearing in mind that a large percentage of the total Higher School Certificate assessment mark comes from assessment tasks done at school, it is vital that students maximise their efforts and ensure that they give themselves the best possible chance for success. Students will always be given ample warning of the nature of any task and the due date. This due date is not a guideline; it is a deadline. Assessment tasks MUST be handed in when students have that subject, i.e. : if an English task is due and a student has English in Session 2, that is when the task is to be handed in; NOT at some time later in the day. If a student cannot attend school on the day of an assessment task to submit it or perform the task in person because of a valid reason, the Illness/Misadventure appeal process must be followed. Information regarding this process is in the assessment handbook which was issued to all students or can be obtained from any Head Teacher. It is important to remember that if a student fails to complete tasks which contribute 50% or more of the available marks, they may receive an N award for that course and this will be recorded on their HSC.

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The easiest way to avoid any issues or concerns is to ensure that all assessment tasks are performed to the best of a students ability and that that they are handed in or performed on the due date. If there any issues or questions regarding any of this process, please do not hesitate to contact me at school. Parking - Any students who drive to school must register vehicle(s) on the college database. A form needs to be obtained from and returned to me in order for this to happen. Parking privileges may be revoked if this procedure is not followed.

David Macleod-Jones Deputy Principal

FROM THE YEAR 11 DEPUTY PRINCIPAL Preparing for Exams Keep in mind that: Its never too late to change things around for the better. Be honest with yourself and find the causes that stop you from performing at your best e.g. too many shifts, poorly organised revision, stressful personal issues that could have been avoided etc. Once you have identified causes decide what you are going to do to avoid them and do it. Make use of the free tutorials that Wyndham College offers students in most of the faculties. All your teachers will help you if they believe you are not wasting time. Ensure that you have a viable home study program that you can stick to. Maximise the use of special programs that improve your Literacy skills using ALARM and Numeracy skills using MAGIC. Make sure that you complete your assessment tasks on time.

Changing Courses The window for changing courses finished at the end of week 4. As said on the assembly no further course changes will be permitted. By changing into a new course now you would have missed around 25% of the new course attendance. This does not satisfy the Board of Studies requirements for satisfactorily completing a Preliminary course. An attempt to change courses because you havent completed assessment tasks dont work. Every course has them and this includes giving presentations in front of your class peers. Take a much closer look at what your course requirements. If you are poor at public speaking let your teacher know beforehand.

Reminders These are important points to remember Once in College stay in College. TAFE Connect is out of bounds. If you are out of uniform bring a note from your parents. Be punctual to your classes, this includes the Connect period and the beginning of Session 3. Dont park in the spaced reserved for Terra Sancta and Wyndham teachers. Make sure that you register your car with David.

Stan Pianko Deputy Principal _______________________________________________________________________________ 3

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STUDENT WELFARE - 2013 National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence

TITLE: TAKE A STAND TOGETHER Our school has registered to be part of the National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence, being held nationwide on Friday 15 March 2013. The National Day of Action is a day where school communities across Australia, Take a Stand Together against bullying and violence.

WYNDHAM COLLEGE is dedicated to creating supportive school environments, free from bullying, harassment and violence. By working together at (name of school), we are sending clear messages to young people that bullying and violence, in or outside of school, is not okay - at any time. At Wyndham College bullying is taken seriously and is not acceptable in any form. Central to our Welfare and Student Management Policy is the understanding that students have the right to expect that they spend the school day free from the fear of bullying, harassment, intimidation and victimization. We have a number of programs and initiatives in place to help inform and guide the students if ever the problem occurs. We have a Bullying Triangle whereby the student is advised to tell a friend, Connect teacher, classroom teacher, parent, Deputy or HT about the problem. The String Movement is another student led initiative where the students are encouraged to take an active role in stamping out bullying. We also have a Student Management policy that is a guide to the strategies and sanctions that are enforced is a problem occurs. The National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence is a major activity organised by Bullying. No Way! (www.bullyingnoway.gov.au). The Bullying. No Way! website, created by all Australian education jurisdictions, offers practical resources and information to help schools work together against bullying, harassment and violence. Students and parents can also download the free iPhone app Take a Stand http://www.takeastandtogether.gov.au/over14/downloads/index.htm to keep tips and advice on dealing with bullying close at hand. On Thursday, 14th March at Wyndham College, we will be celebrating the National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence with a combined Yr11/12 Assembly outlining the importance of the topic and guiding the students into an awareness of what they need to do if it occurs. Shelley Woodhams HT Welfare SRC REPORT Congratulations to the following students who were elected our new SRC for 2013. Ruzzell Asuit Maygan Charlton Stella Hickey Thomas Dunn Sarah Drage Steven Horvath Jackson Goldsworthy Zilan Hashmei Aaron Gutugutuwai Natasha Hawkens Merick Miglani Mackenzie Lawrence

SRC Suggestion Box Any students with sensible suggestions can put them in the SRC Suggestion Box located in the schools Library. The SRC meet every Thursday at lunchtime in E6 so suggestions can be dropped off there or given to a member of the SRC. All reasonable requests are discussed at meetings. _______________________________________________________________________________ 4

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ANTI-BULLYING & HARASSMENT POLICY AND PLAN -2013

Wyndham College is a senior college of approximately 850 students located in Western Sydney on the Nirimba Education Precinct. The school is part of a collegiate group of schools and a member of the Nirimba Education Precinct comprising of UWS College, Nirimba TAFE and Terra Sancta. Individual differences are respected and quality teaching and learning is provided in a student welfare-rich environment. POLICY STATEMENT At Wyndham College bullying is taken seriously and is not acceptable in any form. Central to our Welfare and Discipline Policy is the understanding that students have the right to expect that they will spend the school day free from the fear of bullying, harassment, intimidation and victimization. The Wyndham College Anti Bullying & Harassment Policy aims to reinforce 3 clear messages: 1. Respect 2. Responsibility 3. Resilience to say NO to: Inappropriate language Joke / name calling/teasing Inappropriate images Staring Innuendo/gesturing Glaring Offensive whistling Isolating Inappropriate behavior towards others Graffiti/vandalism Physical abuse / threats of harm Spitting Stand over tactics Pushing Exclusion Theft A gang mentality Verbal abuse Discrimination based on; gender, race, Ridicule / humiliate disability, religion, sexuality, age. Cyberbullying text/MSN/email/ Electronic social pages Definition of Bullying As stated in the DEC Anti-Bullying Plan for Schools (procedures page 5-6), Bullying can be defined as intentional, repeated behavior by an individual or group of individuals that causes distress, hurt or undue pressure. Bullying involves the abuse of power in relationships and can involve all forms of harassment (including sex, race, disability, homosexuality or transgender), humiliation, domination, intimidation and victimization of others. Bullying behaviour can be: Verbal eg name calling, teasing, abuse, putdowns, sarcasm, insults, threats Physical eg hitting, punching, kicking, scratching, tripping, spitting Social eg ignoring, excluding, ostracizing, alienating, making inappropriate gestures Psychological eg spreading rumours, dirty looks, hiding or damaging possessions, malicious SMS and email messages, inappropriate use of camera phones The incidence of cyber bullying is increasing with the introduction of new technologies including allocation of DER laptops. Cyber bullying includes text or images posted on personal websites or transmitted via email or mobile phones. Most often, cyber bullying is just another tool for the person who bullies face-to-face. However, it is becoming more common for those who are being bullied in the playground to retaliate online. The Anti bullying & Harassment Policy also helps meet requirements in other areas of the school. Safe and Drug Free School School connectedness School health programs Suicide prevention Character education Behaviour supports. _______________________________________________________________________________ 5

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STATEMENT OF PURPOSE The whole school community has a shared responsibility in managing bullying and bullies. The main purpose is the need for the school to continue promoting respectful relationships within the whole school community, to protect students from bullying and foster a school culture where bullying is unacceptable. All students will be provided with appropriate support when bullying occurs. Each group within the school community has a supportive role and responsibilities in preventing and actively working together to resolve incidents of bullying behaviour when they occur. The responsibilities are: Students have a responsibility to: Behave appropriately, respecting individual differences and diversity. Follow the school Anti-bullying Plan. Respond to incidents of bullying according to the school Anti-bullying Plan. Parents and caregivers have a responsibility to: Support their children in all aspects of their learning. Be aware of the school Anti-bullying & Harassment Plan and assist their children in understanding bullying behaviour. Support their children in developing positive responses to incidents of bullying consistent with the school Anti-bullying & Harassment Plan. Support all students of the school to deal effectively with bullying through the strategies of the Antibullying & Harassment Plan. Teachers have a responsibility to: Respect and support students in all aspects of their learning. Model appropriate behaviour. Respond in an appropriate and timely manner to incidents of bullying according to the school Antibullying & Harassment Plan. The school has a responsibility to: Develop an Anti-bullying & Harassment Policy & Plan through consultation with parents, caregivers, students and the community. Inform students, parents, caregivers and the community about the School Discipline Code or School rules and Anti-bullying & Harassment Plan. Provide students with strategies to respond positively to incidents of bullying behaviour, including responsibilities as bystanders or observers. Provide parents, caregivers and students with clear information on strategies that promote appropriate behaviour, and the consequences for inappropriate behaviour. Communicate to parents and caregivers that they have an important role to play in resolving incidents of bullying behaviour involving their children. Follow up complaints of bullying, harassment, intimidation and victimization. DEFINITIONS Harassment Harassment is any behaviour, verbal or physical, enacted by groups or individuals, deliberately, that puts a person or a group of people down, causing a lack of self-esteem or fear. Bullying _______________________________________________________________________________ 6

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Bullying is an attack, which causes distress not only at the time of the attack, but also by the threat of future attacks. It is characterized by the misuse of power in a verbal/ physical / social or psychological. Bullying is also about empowering oneself at the expense of another person. Bullying occurs over a period of time. Racism Racism is behaviour, which disadvantages people on the basis of their real ( or supposed ) membership of a racial, ethnic or religious group. Racial Discrimination can take many forms including direct and indirect discrimination. Racial Vilification Racial Vilification is a public act that encourages others to hate, have serious contempt for, or severely ridicule a person, or a group of people, because of race, colour, nationality,ethnic or national background. Racist abuse in public for instance, on a school bus or in the classroom could amount to racial vilification. Sex based harassment Sex based harassment is any form of behaviour that is not welcome, not asked for or not returned, and that offends, intimidates or humiliates someone on the basis of his or her sex. Cyberbullying The use of information and communication technologies to support deliberate, repeated, and hostile behaviour by an individual or group, that is intended to harm others. When the Internet, cell phones or other devices are used to send or post text or images intended to hurt or embarrass another person. Sexting Is the act of sending sexually explicit messages or photographs, primarily between mobile phones. Exclusion Excluding or tending to exclude others by not allowing them to share information or participate in activities that they normally would have been included. Identifying Bullying Behaviour Types of Bullying Bullying can take on many forms. Verbal bullying including derogatory comments and bad names Bullying through social exclusion or isolation Physical bullying such as hitting, kicking, shoving, and spitting Bullying through lies and false rumours Having money or other things taken or damaged by students who bully Being threatened or being forced to do things by students who bully Racial bullying Sexual bullying Cyber bullying ( via cell phones or internet ) Why Students Bully Research about bullying suggests that there are three interrelated reasons why students bully. Students who bully have strong needs for power and ( negative ) dominance. Students who bully find satisfaction in causing injury and suffering to other students. Students who bully are often rewarded in some way for their behaviour with material or psychological _______________________________________________________________________________ 7

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The Bullying Circle Nearly one in five students in an average classroom is experiencing bullying in some way. The rest of the students, called bystanders, are also affected by the bullying. The Olweus Bullying Prevention Program describes students involved or witnessing bullying situation as having roles in the Bullying Circle as described in the model. 1. Students who bully These students want to bully, start the bullying, and play a leader role. 2. Followers or Henchmen These students are positive toward the bullying and take an active part but dont usually initiate it and do not play a lead role. 3. Supporters or Passive Bullies These students actively and openly support the bullying, for example, through laughter or calling attention to the situation, but they dont join in. 4. Passive Supporters or Possible Bullies These students like the bullying but do not show outward signs of support. 5. Disengaged Onlookers These students donot get involved and do not take a stand, nor do they participate actively in either direction. ( They might think or say Its none of my business, or Lets watch and see what happens. ) 6. Possible Defenders These students dislike the bullying and think they should help the student who is being bullied but do nothing. 7. Defenders They dislike the bullying and help or try to help the Student who is being bullied. 8. Student Who is Being Bullied

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Impact Of Bullying A single student who bullies can have a wide-ranging impact on the students they bully, students who observe bullying, and the overall climate of the school and community. Students Who are Bullied Students deserve to feel safe at school, but when they experience bullying long lasting effects are the result: Depression Low self-esteem Health problems Poor grades Suicidal thoughts Students who Bully Others students who intentionally bully others should be held accountable for their actions Those who bully their peers are more likely to: Get into frequent fights Steal and vandalise property Drink alcohol and smoke Report poor grades Perceive a negative climate at school Carry a weapon Observers of Bullying Students who see bullying happen also may feel that they are in an unsafe environment. Effects may include feelings: Fearful Powerless to act Guilty for not acting Tempted to participate Schools with Bullying Issues When bullying continues and a school does not take action, the entire school climate can be affected in the following ways: The school develops an environment of fear and disrespect Students have difficulty learning Students feel insecure Students dislike school Students perceive that teacher has little control and dont care

STUDENT ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES IN ANTI-BULLYING Bullying involves the abuse of power in relationships. It is intentional, repeated behaviour by an individual or group of individuals that cause distress, hurt or undue pressure. All students should be active citizens of the school community. If you see, are affected by, Or have been a part of bullying behaviourBe sure to take positive action to make things right

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WHAT CAN YOU DO

Bystander Person displaying bullying behaviour Bystanders Never stand by and let bullying behaviour occur Should speak up Ask for help
Reflect on your behaviour and consider its impact Consider why you are behaving this way and how you could change so it is more appropriate Remember its not you, its your behaviour thats the issue Remember you can ask for support to learn to use effective decision making strategies to guide your behaviour in a responsible way

TELL SOMEOME Such as your parent or any teacher you can relate to

Person Affected

Person displaying bullying behaviour

Person Affected If you feel that a situation is out of control or you cannot handle It alone ask for help Dobbing is NOT the same as Asking for help

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How Observed Bullying Behaviour is Handled

Occurring within the Classroom Teacher Follows the Student Management Policy and Informs the Year Advisors

Occurring within the Playground

Low Level or Isolated - Reported to teacher on duty for restorative discussion Moderate to Higher Level - Reported to Head Teacher welfare or Deputy for restorative discussion Support provided - Contact the Year Advisor and/or counsellor

Occurring Outside School *

When information is given to school about an incident

Deputy Principal co-ordinates information collection then decides which process is appropriate Support for those involved is to be provided In consultation with support services; parents are informed of the outcome

*Bullying outside school grounds such as verbal abuse, physical aggression and cyber bullying has the potential to develop social, psychological and educational issues for those affected. If bullying behaviour involves a student from our school it becomes a school responsibility to be investigated by the school

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Protecting your children from cyber bullies Internet Safety tips for parents: Never allow a computer in the bedroom Have a family Online Contract set rules and consequences for breaches Filtering software is important but the most effective filer is Parental Supervision! Social networking Sites such as Facebook and My Space must be set to Private Do not disclose personal or identifying information or photos Make sure that you shoulder surf Know where your child is accessing on the internet (just as you would know where they are in the real world) You are the parent and should be in charge. _______________________________________________________________________________ 12

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What if my child is being bullied? Dont be angry with your child remember that they are the victim and it is someone else doing the wrong thing. Praise them for coming to you, this is a big step as most children are too frightened to tell a parent about cyber bullying. Save and store emails, chat logs or SMS in case of police of police investigation. Help your child to block and delete the bully from all contact lists Do not respond to nasty emails, chat logs or SMSs in case of police investigation. Help your child to block and delete the bully from all contact lists. Do not respond to nasty emails, chats, SMS or comments this is what the bully wants, so ignore them. Use the report abuse button which most websites/ applications have. Tell them the problems you are having and they are obligated to investigate. Have some down time without computer or mobile (do not do this as punishment, rather as some peaceful time where they are not being bothered). If unwanted contact continues, consider deleting email, msn, hotmail etc account and start a new account. Only give your new details to a small list of trusted friends. Get a new phone number if being harassed on your phone. Report the problem to your phone company and insist on a new number for free. Inform your childs school. It is important that they know what is going on so that they can monitor any issues at school. If on going, report to the police. Being Cyber Savvy Advice to students Dont ever give out the following information: Your last name Your phone number Your private email address Your home address What school you got o Sporting locations you attend Your parents work location Always: Be very careful when entering information onto a blog. It doesnt take too much to give your identity away. Check your chat profile to make sure that it doesnt include any personal information. Never: Email a picture of yourself to strangers or put a picture of yourself on your chat profile Activate your webcam to persons you do not know in person or have just met on the internet Never show yourself naked on webcam or photos. Dont: Make plans to meet people that you have so far only met on line. But if you decide to do it anyway, have a parent or another adult help you make the plans and go with you. Try to meet in a popular public place, preferably during the day. Open up emails, files or web pages that you get from people you dont really know or trust. Ever give out your password, except t responsible adults in your family. Use a handle or nickname that may attract the wrong attention.

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Tell your parents, older brother/ sister or adult if: Somebody online says something to you that makes you feel uncomfortable Somebody online sends you something that makes you feel uncomfortable You see something on line that makes you feel uncomfortable

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Resources NSW Dept of Education & Community: Anti-bullying plan for Schools. Research & development of Anti-bullying practices by Dr Ken Rigby, University of South Australia. ( Method of Shared Concern Pikas ) Anti-bullying plans and policies by other schools in NSW Dan Olweus, creator of the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program, and author of Bullying at School: What We Know and What We Can Do. In 1983, three adolescent boys in northern Norway died by suicide. The act was most likely a consequence of severe bullying by peers, prompting the countrys Ministry of Education to initiate a national campaign against bullying in schools. As a result, the first version of the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program was developed.hhtp://www.olweus.org/public/stop-bullying-program.page. www.bullyingnoway.gov.au

Team to develop Anti-Bullying Plan: Karen Smith Principal David McLeod Jones Yr12 Deputy Shelley Woodhams HT Welfare Tony Quelch YR12 Adviser Dimitri Papanis YR12 Adviser Naomi Vaughan parent Anna Jakymin School Counsellor Jenine Varady Szabo School Chaplain

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UNIFORM SHOP All uniform items are now available from the Uniform shop. The uniform shop is open at lunchtime on Thursdays in the CVET Room, Block C.

FREE -MATHS TUITION All students are invited to join the free Maths tuition that is held in C4 every Tuesday afternoon from 3pm to 4pm. Be there

FREE -CHEMISTRY TUTORIALS Every Tuesday at 3pm 4pm in B01

FREE -PHYSICS TUTORIALS Every Monday at 3pm 4pm in B01

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WESTERN SYDNEY CAREERS EXPO 2013: Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic

Park. Thursday 20 June and Friday 21 June, 9am-3pm Saturday 22 June and Sunday 23 June 10am-3pm The Western Sydney Careers Expo bring together over 120 exhibitors providing information on tertiary and training courses, careers and employment opportunities, HSC subjects, study skills and gap year programs. Exhibitors include Australias major universities. The Expo also features 130 seminars on HSC subjects including English and Maths, tertiary coursed, careers, employment and study advice. Admission is $10 or $25 for families of 3 or more (children 14 & under free) and is valid for all 4 days of the Expo. Admission includes seminars. For more details see The Expo Visitor Guide in your local Fairfax Community Newspaper in early June 2013 or westernsydneycareerexpo.com.au

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Helpful Tips
Anaphylaxis Information If your child is diagnosed at risk of a severe allergic reaction, particularly anaphylaxis, the Anaphylaxis Procedures contain information for schools and parents designed to minimise the risk to students. If your child has an allergy it is important to let us know see Action steps for parents. Find out more: http://www.schools.nsw.edu.au/studentsupport/studenthealth/conditions/anaphylaxis/index.php

Job Outlook Career Quiz Heres a quiz to help your teenager identify what occupations they are most likely to be good at. Find out more: http://joboutlook.gov.au/pages/careerquiz.aspx

Apprentice Stories Apprenticeships can be the passport to a better job, a higher pay packet and a more rewarding life. Watch videos of real stories and achievements as told by well-known apprenticeship ambassadors. Find out more: http://www.australianapprenticeships.gov.au/AAAmbassadors/Ambassadors.asp

2013 Homework Planner Kids and families run more smoothly when theres a plan. The 2013 Homework and Study Calendar includes key dates and school holidays. You can print it out month by month, or by the whole year. Find out more: http://www.schoolatoz.nsw.edu.au/homework-and-study/homework-tips/2013-homework-planner

Technology Talks Find out about all the Technologies your child could be using at school at home and on the go. Scan the A-Z list for overall knowledge, find out how gadgets work, what their good points are and other usages you may need to be aware of. Find out more: http://www.schoolatoz.nsw.edu.au/technology

Students Wordsmiths The Macquarie Senior Student Dictionary app for iphone is a valuable resource for high school students. Its filled with up-to-date definitions, cross-reference linking and a handy note-taking function ($16.99). Find out more: https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/macquarie-senior-student-dictionary/id596228979?mt=8 _______________________________________________________________________________ 17

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Community Announcements
Invitation to past students and families of Quakers Hill East Public SchoolEXPRESSION OF INTEREST
Our Principal, Mrs Bird, who has been with the school for over ten years, has decided to retire, making this term her last. The P&C Association of Quakers Hill East Public School has decided to hold a small event to mark this momentous occasion and thank her for all her effort and dedication to the school, students and community. We are proposing to have a pre-paid BBQ (at an approximate cost of $10 per an adult) or inviting families to BYO their own picnic dinner, drinks and chairs/picnic blankets. WHEN: Friday April 5, from 6pm WHERE: at the current location of Quakers Hill East Public School If you would like to stay informed of this special farewell evening, updated with the latest information and receive a note about pre-payment for the BBQ, could you please email your details to quakershilleastpc@yahoo.com.au Please include your name, approximate number of people attending with you and if you are interested in possibly having the BBQ. This is not an RSVP, but rather an expression of interest. Any enquiries to Quakers Hill East Public School Telephone: (02) 9626 9264 Fax: (02)9837 1158

WEP STUDENT EXCHANGE - Memories and Skills for Life!

Become a WEP exchange student to live and study overseas for a summer, semester or even a year! Imagine yourself enjoying a traditional Thanksgiving in the USA, exploring local treasures in picturesque Europe, participating in a tea ceremony class in Japan or drinking traditional mate in Argentina. With over 20 countries to choose from and many other experiences to be lived, dont let this once in a lifetime opportunity pass you by!

Find Out More! Request a Free Info Pack! Find out everything you need to know about your opportunity to experience life as an overseas teenager. Visit: www.wep.org.au Call: 1300 884 733 Email: info@wep.org.au

RIVERSTONE FESTIVAL

The Festival is being held in the surrounds of the Sam Lane community Complex on Saturday 11 th May from 9am to 3pm with the Street Parade at 11am. The first Festival activity, the Art Exhibition, will be held on Friday 10th May between 10am and 3pm in the Community Hall. This is the 4th Art Exhibition run by the Riverstone Neighbourhood Centre. Festival information may be obtained from: PO Box 50, Riverstone, 2765 Email info@riverstonefestival.com.au Website riverstonefestival.com.au Phone: 4572 3271

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IMPORTANT ATTENDANCE INFORMATION

SMS - the College number is 0416 906 146.

Excursions Excursions are an important part of the school curriculum. They provide students with a diversity of learning experiences that are very valuable. However, the excursions take considerable time and effort to organise so that they run efficiently. For this reason the school policy is that all excursion money must be paid by the date indicated on the permission note. Students who do not pay by this date will not be able to attend the excursion. If there is a special circumstance preventing payment by the due date, your child should see the Head Teacher.

CHANGE OF DETAILS
To keep student records as up to date as possible please complete the slip below, if you have changed address or changed phone numbers, and return to the front office. Student Name ... New Address Home Phone ... ..

Mobile Phone Mother Name.... Mobile Phone -Father Name Date...............

Signed .

Emails
If you have recently changed your email address please complete this slip and return to the office:
Student Name ___________________________________________________ Email Address ___________________________________________________
Please print carefully

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